Christmas in Rome - Top 5 Things to Do

Top 5 Things to Do and See
1 –Attend the Midnight Mass in the Vatican
Every Christmas morning on the stroke of midnight, the Pope delivers his Christmas Mass. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. You can also request tickets for the many carol services held during December. Visit the Vatican website www.vatican.va for information on the mass timetable. For those who have not got a ticket, the service is broadcast live on large screens in St Peter’s Square.
2 – Ice Skate along the banks of the River Tiber under Castel St. Angelo
One of Rome’s most beautiful places to walk is along the banks of the River Tiber, under the shadow of Castel St. Angelo and looking towards St. Peter’s Basilica which is floodlit during the evenings. During December, there is a temporary ice rink here, with one of the best views in Rome.
3 – Shop at the Christmas Market at Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is always a great place to come at any time of year with its street artists, portrait painters and buzzing atmosphere centred around the magnificent Bernini fountain which dominates the square. But during December the piazza becomes a magical land for children as it fills with stalls selling brightly coloured wooden toys, traditional rides like carousels, hot chestnut stalls. Look out for Befana the witch, loved by Italian children as she bring them presents on Janaury 6th but only if they have been good... And for the adult revellers, this is a good place to spend New Years Eve as you will find entertainment and celebratory crowds.
4- Do your Christmas shopping
The busiest shopping area is the main Via del Corso which runs the length of the historic centre from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia. It is home to high street chains like Mango and H&M and also the elegant Galleria Alberto Soldi with its magnificent Christmas tree and coffee shops. Just off the Via Del Corso, towards the Spanish Steps, you will find the designer shopping area of Via Condotti. Here the window displays of Prada, Gucci, Tiffany and Bulgari glitter more brightly than any Christmas decorations. If this is a little beyond your budget, you will find a good mix of shops around the Via Cola di Rienzo near the Vatican or just wander the narrow streets and market stalls of the centre.
5 – Nativity Scene Hunting
Pop your head into any church during December and you will find a nativity scene that will take your breath away. From the animals in the stable to the figures bearing gifts to the baby Jesus, these ancient displays are rich in detail and tradition. One not to miss is the huge one in St Peter’s Square. Constructed over several weeks behind curtains, it is finally unveiled around mid December to reveal that year’s theme and stays in place for most of January.
Some Practical Information:
Holidays
National Holidays around the Christmas period in Italy are:
December 8th – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 25th – Christmas Day
December 26th – St Stephen’s Day
January 1st – New Years Day
January 6th – Epiphany (and Feast of Bafana)
Transport
Mainline and local services do operate throughout Christmas, but with a very limited service on the main holidays around Christmas. Most places are reachable on foot in the city centre, so you do not need to rely on the buses and metro. During the run up to Christmas you are better advised to walk than use the public transport, unless you want to stand cheek to cheek with at least double the capacity of intended passengers, complete with their purchases.
Check www.atac.roma.it for details of local Rome transport services and www.trenitalia.it for mainline train services.
Please note that there is a free ‘shopping’ service that runs between Termini and Via Del Corso during December. Look for bus 100.
Shops, Restaurants and Museums
Shops should be open every day including Sunday during this period, except for 25th December and 1st January. The restaurants will be open every day even on the holidays. Note that the January sales do not start on Boxing Day like in the UK, but the first weekend in January.
Most museums and attractions close on December 25th and January1st but should be open the rest of the time. Check online first at http://www.museiincomuneroma.it/